Minolta's classic 'beercan' lens

Officially, it was called the Minolta Maxxum AF 70-210mm 1:4(22), but to a generation of Minolta SLR fans it was known as the "beercan." Tall, cylindrical, black and built like a tank, this classic lens is admired for its sharpness, vivid colours, and delicious "bokeh," or out-of-focus areas. Minolta discontinued the lens sometime in the early 1990s, but hundreds are available in the resale market, on eBay and elsewhere. Since Sony bought out Konica Minolta's camera business, these lenses have started to increase in value. I got my very fine specimen on eBay for $200 (thanks mom for the birthday money!), which seems to be about average.

This gallery will feature shots through the beercan which, I hope, highlight its unique properties.

The view from my balcony out toward English Bay, at 210mm. This shot has presented difficulties for my other long lenses (such as the Sony 18-200mm), which often present fuzzy pictures and washed-out colours at this length.